Place the bacon on a paper towel-lined plate and microwave on high until crisp, about 4 minutes. Cut into 1-inch pieces.

In a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth, white wine and tomato paste. Add the garlic, onion, and tomatoes (and their juices) and mix to combine. Fold in the pork, bacon, and thyme.

Cook, covered, until the pork easily pulls apart, 5 to 6 hours on high or 7 to 8 hours on low.

Thirty-five minutes before serving, discard the thyme, then gently stir in the lentils. Turn the slow cooker on high, cover and continue cooking until the lentils are just tender, 30 to 35 minutes. Gently fold in the beans and cook until heated through, about 3 minutes. Serve with crusty bread, if desired.

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